WAEC Geography 1999 Theory question 102

Theory question 102

Manufacturing Industry

(a) Using specific examples, describe any four factors influencing the location of manufacturing industries in developing countries (b) Outline four problems associated with the establishment of heavy industries in West Africa (c) Suggest solution to these problems

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Raw materials (cement at Ewekoro near limestone); market (consumer industries in Lagos); power (aluminium smelting at Tema using Akosombo HEP); transport/ports (Apapa, Tema); labour; capital; water; government policy (Ajaokuta steel).
(b) Shortage of capital; lack of skilled labour and technology; unreliable power; poor transport; small market; dependence on imported machines and spare parts; political instability and poor management.
(c) Foreign and joint investment; training of technicians; improving power supply; better roads and railways; regional cooperation (ECOWAS market); stable policies.

Explanation

Use named West African examples.